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(6). That the differential treatment should take the form of a special
site value rate.
(7). That the site value for this purpose • should be arrived at
by deducting from the gross assessment of the premises such rent in
respect of the structural value of the buildings or other improvements
thereon as shall equal an annuity which would by the six per cent, interest
tables extinguish the structural value fixed by the assessors in a term of
j'ears also fixed by them representing the estimated duration of such
buildings or other improvements, but which term of years should not
exceed seventy years even in the case of a new building.—The gross
assessment referred to should equal the rack rental less cost of repairs or
maintenance and fire insurance falling on the landlord.
(8). That ordinary rates payable by the occupier should continue
to be charged on the total rateable value.
(9). That the special site value rate should be confined to the
purposes mentioned in resolution No. (2) and should be charged in respect
of sites of occupied and unoccupied buildings but not on sites of buildings
which have never been occupied. The special rate should in the first instance
be paid by the occupier, if any, and he should (saving existing contracts)
have power to deduct such special rate from the rent due to his landlord,,
each leaseholder being ent:tled to deduct the same from the rent payable
by him to his lessors, provided that if such rent be less than the site value
on which the rate is charged, the deduction shall only be on the amount of
the actual rent. In the case of unoccupied property the site value rate
should be payable by the freeholder.
(10). That having regard to the onerous expenditure which is
incurred locally for matters of national concern, a larger contribution
should be made from Imperial sources. This is the more necessary as at
present the rates are levied upon about one-fourth of the property«of the
community.
Licensing.
The Bill was not read a second time.
80. The principal object of this Bill was to authorise the Quarter
Sessions, subject to payment of compensation, to refuse
the renewal of licenses for the sale of intoxicating
liquors. Where the Quarter Sessions refused the renewal of licenses,
a sum equal to the difference between the value of the licensed
premises and their value if they were not licensed, was to be the
compensation to be paid to the persons interested in licensed
premises. Quarter Sessions were for the purpose of providing
compensation authorised to impose certain charges on all licenses
granted or renewed in respect of premises in their area. The Council